Section 48B of the Liquor Act – Commissioner's Power to Suspend Licence

Wednesday 08-Aug-2018 16:49

Northern Territory Commissioner of Police, Reece Kershaw APM, today exercised his powers under Section 48B of the Liquor Act and suspended a licensed premises in Tennant Creek from trade for 48 hours.

Northern Territory Commissioner of Police, Reece Kershaw APM, today exercised his powers under Section 48B of the Liquor Act and suspended a licensed premises in Tennant Creek from trade for 48 hours.

It is alleged that over the past 21 days there have been 11 separate incidents which required a police response at, or in the immediate vicinity of the licensed premises known as the Tennant Creek Hotel. This has included drunk persons, general disturbances, disorderly behaviour and an assault against a police officer in the execution of their duty.

Additionally, it is alleged that on 28 June 2018, members of the Northern Territory Police Force attended the premises for the purpose of observing patronage and trade practices. As a result of this attendance a heavily intoxicated male was located consuming alcohol on premises. Staff were alerted to this occurrence by police.

Furthermore, in the past 21 days there have been 14 referrals identifying the Tennant Creek Hotel as being the place of consumption for the last alcoholic drink prior to an individual committing an offence.

As a result of this information and allegations, the Commissioner was advised that the circumstances warrant the application of section 48B of the Liquor Act.

“I have considered the information provided to me including the nature of the incidents and the information which identifies the correlation between alcohol consumption and offending. This is sufficient in my view that further offences are likely, which would pose a threat to public safety, should alcohol service remain available,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

Accordingly, the Commissioner exercised his power under section 48B and the liquor licence referred to as Tennant Creek Hotel, is suspended commencing 1600 hours on 08/08/2018 until 1559 hours on 10/08/2018.

Also today, the Katherine Hotel was issued with a warning notice in relation to section 48B of the Liquor Act. Police will continue to engage with that venue to ensure compliance with the Act.

“I’d like to thank the community for working with police and reporting instances of crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Kershaw said.

“As we’ve said many time before, the community is often our best source of information, so if you see something that doesn’t look right or if you see a crime being committed, please contact police immediately on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”